San Diego
Theresa and I recently celebrated our twentieth wedding anniversary; where does the time go? She was looking for a more ‘wife-worthy’ vacation rather than the usual ‘Follow me to the back-country honey” and I felt I needed to deliver. Where to go? Preferably warm, or at least warmer the Seattle but would be interesting to us both…San Diego!
In my youth, I had lived in Riverside for a short time and I remember fondly heading down to San Diego for the weekend. I loved it there. What wasn’t to love? From the beaches to the shop, the history and especially Balbo Park. I wanted to see how much had changed in the last 20 years.
Abbreviated History
Here’s a very abbreviated history of the region.
On September 28, 1542, Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into the bay and named the region “San Miguel.” Ashore near what is now Point Loma, Cabrillo and his men encountered some of the Kumeyaay whose population numbered around 20,000.
The Kumeyaay had settled the area about 2,000 years ago but there is some evidence that they may have been in the area much longer. They cultivated plants and created astronomical observatories, and their knowledge benefited the Spanish who relied on their help to navigate and to survive.
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One of the best things about volunteering for citizen-science projects is the opportunity to spend time in some truly breathtaking places. And with fall just around the corner, it's an especially beautiful time to be outdoors. There's nothing quite like watching the leaves change colors and feeling that fresh autumn breeze on your face. It's a great way to connect with nature and make a difference at the same time.
Our only tide window to conduct this month’s #COASST bird survey was just before sunset. Not only did we have the beach to ourselves, but we were rewarded with this view when we rounded the point. Had to pause the survey and just enjoy the view and tranquility.
We're spending the weekend exploring the 'Great Bend' of Hood Canal. We found a nice private campground to base out of. This is just one of the many views to be found on North Shore Drive.
Taking a brief pause to appreciate the beautiful sunset on the Long Beach Peninsula.
I recently went hiking in the Olympic Peninsula forests and stumbled upon this beautiful waterfall. It was such a serene and peaceful spot, and I felt so lucky to have found it. There are so many hidden gems to discover when exploring the great outdoors!
With the hot weather we've endured, I'm looking forward to Fall and the dramatic weather. Here's a sunset over North Head Lighthouse.
After a short hike along Murhut Creek, which originates from a narrow basin on the south side of the lower Duckabush River valley, we arrived at the lower half of Murhut Falls. The falls consist of two sections with a combined height of 153 feet, although only the lower half was visible from our vantage point.
I haven't had the opportunity to take a stroll around Waughop Lake lately, yet I couldn't help but notice the abundant greenery that now adorns the trails.
During our recent camping trip on the Washington coast with friends, we took a bike ride to Cape Disappointment State Park. We came across the Northhead Lighthouse, but unfortunately, it was closed at the time due to an ongoing cliff rescue operation.
Spent an incredible day immersed in nature's wonders with my adventurous partner, Theresa! 🌿🌈 We hiked along the majestic Chehalis River, mesmerized by its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings. And then, we stumbled upon the magnificent Rainbow Falls waterfall, its cascading waters painting the landscape with vibrant colors! 🏞️💦 Moments like these remind us of the pure magic that awaits when we embrace the great outdoors.
Looking forward to this sunny weekend getaway at Rainbow Falls State Park Exploring the stunning beauty of nature and immersing ourselves in the serenity of the namesake waterfall.
On a sunny day at the beach, the four of us enjoyed riding our bikes along the shoreline, feeling the sun's warmth on our skin. We laughed and chatted as we pedaled, the refreshing sea breeze accompanying us. Eventually, we reached the breathtaking Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, where we paused to take in the stunning view of the sparkling ocean and rugged cliffs. It was a perfect moment of friendship and natural beauty.
I had to stay close to home this weekend, but the Lakewood Summerfest was fun. Hot air balloons lit the venue.
We recently adopted a new #COASST beach for our beaches bird surveys. You can find more articles and photographs in the link above. #YourShotPhotographer #conquernorthwest #nextstop24traveler
A trail leading through the coastal forest on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Read the latest article about our new #COASST beach. Link in the description.
Looking at the turnaround point to our new survey beach, which lies just to the west of Murdock Beach.
The Mexican War for Independence began in 1810, and by 1821 in the people of Mexico had gained their freedom from Spain. San Diego became part of Mexico in April of 1822 when the Mexican flag was raised over the Presidio.
The United States government pursued an aggressive policy of expansion in the nineteenth century that put it on a collision course with Mexico. In June 1846, U.S. Army Captain John C. Frémont, guide Kit Carson, and a group of California settlers calling themselves The Bears staged a revolt in Sonoma (California) against Mexican rule. The war ended in 1848 and San Diego became part of the United States with the admission of California to the Union as the thirty-first State in 1850.
Needless to say, San Diego is a true melting pot of cultures which is reflected in everything from the architect to the cuisine.
Museum of Natural History
Sea World
I have some new insight into this marine amusement park, but once I started putting my thoughts down on paper I realized it deserved its own post.
Look for it soon…
